LAB aka Livingston Avenue Bridge

This came out in the past week

https://www.troyrecord.com/2024/07/15/h ... warehouse/

"Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that construction has begun on a $634.8 million project to replace the Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge, which will replace the Civil War-era passenger rail bridge spanning the Hudson River between the cities of Albany and Rensselaer".

Yes it is a bridge, yes some of it was built during the civil war, and no it was not always the primary way for passenger trains to cross the Hudson between Albany and Rennselaer.

Is the bridge to the South to get into Union Station still there or did Penn Central/Conrail chop it down?

Long gone, and there's not even much evidence left that it was there in the first place

Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Thu Jul 18, 2024 9:54 am Is the bridge to the South to get into Union Station still there or did Penn Central/Conrail chop it down?

The Maiden Lane Bridge came down with the construction of I 787 and the closing of Union Station in the late '60s. The entire span was demolished by Jan. 1970.

Never thought I would see this actually happen. They have cleared land and such brought in heavy equipment dropped some trees pushed some dirt around. Ehh its Amtrak and NYS they will come with an excuse and this is as far as they will get. Until the crane showed up, then the Soilmec for the pilings.

As of yesterday the first piling for the new LAB bridge was placed. Unfortunately the FRA and Amtrak frown upon the use of personal electronic devices while working or I would have some great pics from the bridge.

Mr. Junkie, sounds like you're back on the road and out of the yard, as I'd guess that bridge is beyond Yard Limits.

Some "older head" displace ("bump") you?

Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Sat Sep 07, 2024 2:04 pm Mr. Junkie, sounds like you're back on the road and out of the yard, as I'd guess that bridge is beyond Yard Limits.

Some "older head" displace ("bump") you?

My brother got bumped recently and is back on the extra board. I think he said something about work going on in the East River tunnels so they will be running less trains for a bit. But the Adirondack will be back to Montreal soon

Mr. BM, how many years does your brother have?

Adirondack? Doesn't that work belong to Mr. Junkie (ALB) and his colleagues?

BM6569 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 7:15 am

Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Sat Sep 07, 2024 2:04 pm Mr. Junkie, sounds like you're back on the road and out of the yard, as I'd guess that bridge is beyond Yard Limits.

Some "older head" displace ("bump") you?

My brother got bumped recently and is back on the extra board. I think he said something about work going on in the East River tunnels so they will be running less trains for a bit. But the Adirondack will be back to Montreal soon

Not for a bit the project could take up to three years. The Adirondack back to Montreal starts today

Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Sat Sep 07, 2024 2:04 pm Mr. Junkie, sounds like you're back on the road and out of the yard, as I'd guess that bridge is beyond Yard Limits.

Some "older head" displace ("bump") you?

Mr. Norman I still hold my current yard assignment, it is not the job I prefer but it pays the bills. I'm on LAB bridge 5 or 6 times a day turning equipment. Even though we are considered "yard jobs" most of the work we do is on main tracks with interlocking rules in effect, so no yard limits. Yes, there is a yard in Rennselaer but it is used for storage of varnish and MofW equipment. The shop is its own entity and is governed under NORAC rule 98 not exceeding 5mph

Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 7:45 am Mr. BM, how many years does your brother have?

Adirondack? Doesn't that work belong to Mr. Junkie (ALB) and his colleagues?

I think 10 years and he is his colleague. LOL. He was doing some Ethan Allen trips before getting bumped

Railjunkie wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 9:54 am Mr. Norman, I still hold my current yard assignment, it is not the job I prefer but it pays the bills. I'm on LAB bridge 5 or 6 times a day turning equipment. Even though we are considered "yard jobs" most of the work we do is on main tracks with interlocking rules in effect, so no yard limits. Yes, there is a yard in Rennselaer but it is used for storage of varnish and MofW equipment.

Mr. Junkie, this reminds me how I once operated a MILW Fairbanks Morse engine on shop tracks at Cedar Rapids. The Shop General Foreman was my "fireman".

While my stint in Labor Relations was still ahead (I was an Auditor then), I saId to the GF, "what if the BLE Local Chairman sees me?". "He can't say anything; we're on Shop tracks".

Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2024 10:52 am

Railjunkie wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 9:54 am Mr. Norman, I still hold my current yard assignment, it is not the job I prefer but it pays the bills. I'm on LAB bridge 5 or 6 times a day turning equipment. Even though we are considered "yard jobs" most of the work we do is on main tracks with interlocking rules in effect, so no yard limits. Yes, there is a yard in Rennselaer but it is used for storage of varnish and MofW equipment.

Mr. Junkie, this reminds me how I once operated a MILW Fairbanks Morse engine on shop tracks at Cedar Rapids. The Shop General Foreman was my "fireman".

While my stint in Labor Relations was still ahead (I was an Auditor then), I saId to the GF, "what if the BLE Local Chairman sees me?". "He can't say anything; we're on Shop tracks".

Back in the day one could participate in things such as this. Now with inward facing cameras, overhead cameras, and microphones designed to pick up the slightest sound. Forget about it. It is all for "safety" until you have your moment over the barrel then "Its smile your on Candid Camera."

Bridge construction has slowed again they seem to be storing material and equipment. Just a bunch of white hats with clip boards all nodding in agreement.